Ruth Needham

Partner, Kennedys

Ruth Needham is a partner in Kennedys Manchester office, having qualified in 2002 in England and Wales.

Since qualifying, Ruth has specialised in counter fraud work. Ruth has an extensive career in establishing new strategies and thought processes for investigating fraud, and has been a market leader in this area for over 20 years.

Ruth started her career focusing on the Shipman Inquiry which propelled her towards a career in fraud. She also investigated the largest motor fraud ring made up of over 500 Claimants and leading to 186 cases litigating with reserves of over five million. This case, Operation Orion, established the use of exemplary damages in this area.

Prior to her arrival at Kennedys, Ruth created and developed the only fraud ring specific team in the UK, while also managing and engaging with a large client base.

Early in her career, Ruth was ranked as a rising star by Chambers and has built on that reputation in the preceding years.

Engagement with the fraud charter, the IFB and IFIG, have allowed Ruth to assist her clients in developing strong, strategic processes for the identification and investigation of fraud across various product types from motor, casualty and property.